The Role of Verification in Supporting Irreversible Nuclear Disarmament

The links between verification and irreversibility are not well understood. We show that verification and irreversibility are deeply linked and mutually supporting. To support this, we map activities through stages of a disarmament process, and consider how these contribute to irreversibility both individually and in aggregate, and how each is impacted by verification. We then re-examine verification concepts to identify qualities of verification processes that are especially relevant to irreversibility. We conclude with reflections on how irreversibility could be applied in practice and additional research questions that could progress this issue.

Automated summary

The links between verification and irreversibility are not well understood, but this study shows that they are deeply linked and mutually supporting. By mapping activities through stages of a disarmament process, the study demonstrates how verification contributes to irreversibility. The study also identifies qualities of verification processes that are especially relevant to irreversibility.